Let it Goooo...Let it Goooo...

TODAY was the day.  The kids were ready.  Olaf was NOT!!

We met up with Ms. Woodin's class in the gym to hit our pinatas.  The kids were so excited to see who would crack the piñata first.

Here are the before pics (click to enlarge).

Then the CONTROLLED chaos began and the kids were ready to take a swing or two!

Or three...

When suddenly, it happened.

Here I am holding what's left of Olaf with Ms. Woodin.  Yes, that is an Elsa hat that I made, braid and all!  It's for a bigger project later next week (so check back) but was SO fitting to wear for this event.

Of course once the girls saw me wearing this they all, at that very moment, needed their own.  So yes, I began braiding yarn for them.  I have about 9 more to make at snack time tomorrow.  Possibly a second career?

Off to Sweden we Go

'God Jul!"  That's Happy/Merry Christmas in Swedish!

We were jet setters today and traveled to Sweden.  I always use Google Earth to show our place in the world and where we travel to. Plus, what kid doesn't LOVE putting out their arms and pretending to fly?

Students learned that one of the biggest holidays there is St. Lucia's Day on December 13th.  St. Lucia was a girl who delivered food.  She wore candles on her head so she could see.

Today, on St. Lucia day, the oldest girl in the family dresses in all white.  She puts on a wreath of Evergreen with 7 lighted candles.  She carries coffee and buns to her family in their rooms.

We also learned that presents are brought my Tomte, a Christmas gnome.  He is pulled in a sled by goats!!  People put out a bowl of porridge for him.

Olivia was the one to deliver the cinnamon buns.  Of course I told the class, after the fact, I was the oldest and should've delivered the cocoa and buns to them!!

Here we are sampling cinnamon buns and hot cocoa.

And in other news...

Here's Olaf.  He's still in one piece.  I've added tears, a puddle, a tissue, and a note asking students, "Do you really want to hit a snowman?"  Of course more notes from students have begun popping up.  His days are numbered!!

Fa...La...La...La...La...It's that Time of Year Again

I love this time of year!!  Decorating the classroom, playing holiday music, and beginning our Holidays Around the World unit.  I use Sarah Cooley's amazing scrapbook (Christmas Around the World).  The kids love it every year.

We began in the good ol' US of A!  After reading, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, we listed traditions we did each year.  At the top of the list was decorating a tree.

So of course I cut and made a Christmas tree for the class to decorate.  We completed interactive writing where they had to list the steps.  I also introduced sequencing words and we used them in our writing.  Here's how our tree turned out!

The worksheets are FREEBIES at my TpT Store (Holiday FREEBIES).

We also made some special reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve.

Then this little guy showed up for when we learn about Mexico.  Now, you SHOULD all know this is Olaf!!  My class is just a tad bit obsessed with the movie and songs.  When a song comes on, at times, we even stop and sing along. 

Of course all I heard from the class were shrieks of excitement but from me all I could say in a small voice was, "Oh no, not Olaf!"  

I mean, a piñata!!  You know what happens to a pinata.  Well, what will happen to our Olaf.  He just loves hugs.

I thought the class would be upset, somewhat distraught, and overly concerned with this fate but I saw the crazed look in their eyes!  Every time I see him I begin singing, "Do you want to hit a snowman?"  Sad, I know!!

I plan on trying to save him next week (jokingly, of course).  Each day I'm going to place a little note on him.

Stay tuned for more pictures next week.

Wrapping Up Holidays Around the World

We finished up our Holidays Around the World Unit.

This week kiddos spent some time learning about Sweden, England, and Germany.

While learning about Sweden, students tasted cinnamon buns and hot cocoa.  The oldest girl in the class helped serve the food.

In England they have crackers.  Not the crackers you eat!!  My kiddos absolutely LOVED popping these today.  They found a crown, riddle, and small ornament.

Ready to pull!! 3...2...1...

Here's the end result...a bit messy but tons of FUN!!

I hope you enjoy your holiday with family and friends.  I'll see you soon!!

Snowed In and Holidays Around the World

Every year we get a Charlie Brown tree.  I know it really doesn't fit the description but to me it qualifies as one because it's small.

Since we live in Maine it would be more exciting to tell a tale of my husband waking up before the crack of dawn, putting on his flannel, LL Bean boots, and carrying his axe into the woods but that's not the case.  He found this little gem just down the road.  He always drags it in and all I have to do is decorate it!!

Last night, as I waited for the MONSTROUS storm to arrive the tree was decorated and this little peeved off elf stood under it for a pic. After about 15 attempts with her continually taking off the hat I did manage one.

This morning I was shoveling the walkway at 6 am and even convinced myself it would just be a dusting.  Today's the PERFECT day to sit with a cup of coffee and catch up on blogging.  

We've been learning A LOT about traditions around the world.  If you haven't checked out Sara Cooley's Christmas Around the World Scrapbook you need to!  This has been one of the best purchases I've made and the kiddos absolutely LOVE this unit.

Students learned what a tradition is and we brainstormed traditions we had.  As we've traveled I've used Google Earth to show where each place is.  So far we've learned about the United States...

Mexico...

Students even tried to break open a piñata.  They have muscles but it wasn't as easy as they thought!

France...

Teg is from Ethiopia.  His mom came in on Friday and they taught us about their traditions.  Teg also came to school dressed in traditional clothing.  He shared all he knew!!  Kids listened to music, learned words, songs, and dance moves.  They even tried popcorn that had spices used there.  The class learned that Teg even drank coffee as an infant!!

Thanks so much Shannon and Teg for teaching us about your traditions and culture!

Traditions...Traditions...and MORE Traditions

Our class has been focusing on traditions around the world.

Students learned about Sweden's traditions.  We learned about St. Lucia Day and how the oldest girl in the family dresses in white.  She puts a wreath with seven lights on her head.  She carries coffee and buns to her family.

The boys were quite giddy when they found out the girls would be serving them!!

We traveled to England today!  Kids learned about "Father Christmas" and how many years ago their letters were tossed into the fire so their wishes could go up the chimney. We talked about Evergreens and how people thought they were magical because they always stayed green.

And last but not least...we had Christmas Crackers (not the crackers you eat).  Now, I had my cousin try one of these and it didn't crack or make a loud noise when she pulled on it.

Let's just say when the kids pulled on the crackers today, they were LOUD!!  Confetti, trinkets, and paper hats were flying across the room.  The kids were SO excited and I'll admit I was too!

Now, I'm sure the custodians weren't excited by the surprise they found on the floor.  We did try to clean up and I even had a couple of boys asking to help me.

The after affects!  YIKES.

I even made them wear their hats to lunch.

Traditions in France

Today we traveled to France.  We practiced saying, "JOYEUX NOEL!" which means "Merry Christmas!"

Students learned that children in France leave their shoes by the fireplace.  On Christmas morning, the shoes are filled with toys and treats.

We also learned about the Yule Log and even tried some Yule Log Cakes (really Swiss Cake Rolls).

We've had so much FUN traveling around the world.  If you haven't checked it out yet I found the cute scrapbook at First Graders...at Last.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The stockings have been hung, ornaments are up, and Christmas music is playing during work time...  My kids walked into the room and noticed ALL of the changes!!  I LOVE this time of year.

Have you been RACKED yet?  Our class is doing Random Acts of Classroom Kindness!!  I did this last year for the first time with my class and they LOVED it.  I might as well make this a tradition.  Each morning we open a bag and read the Random Act of Classroom Kindness.

On Monday, we picked up trash on our playground.  Today we gave a hug to someone who might have needed it.  I had a group of boys all hugging each other before lunch!

We've also begun learning about traditions.  I found this FANTASTIC resource at First Grader...at Last.  The kids will be creating a scrapbook as we fly around the world learning about traditions.  I'm quite excited about teaching these lessons! 

Today we learned about traditions in the good ol' USA!  

Did you know...

In Alaska, colonial doorways are decorated with pineapple.  This is a symbol of hospitality.

In Massachusetts, carol singing festivities are famous.

In Washington D.C., a HUGE tree is lit when the Presidents turns on the tree lights.

In Hawaii, Christmas starts with the arrival of the Christmas Tree Ship.  Santa Claus also arrives by boat.

In California, Santa surfs!

From First Grader...at Last